Sidewall Effects on Energy Use in Broiler Houses

Abstract

Fuel and electricity expenditures were estimated for broiler houses with uninsulated side curtains and those with insulated sidewalls using two-year energy and temperature data from broiler houses located in northwest Arkansas. Insulation of 2.5 ft sidewall openings with R=7.5 ft2·°F·hr/BTU reduced annual propane use by 22% (965 gal) in conventional houses, and by 17% (505 gal) in tunnel-ventilated houses. However, the insulated sidewalls increase annual ventilation electricity use by 25% (2825 KWH) and 7% (1230 KWH) in conventional and tunnel houses, respectively. Using the current price of 55 increase annual ventilation electricity use by 25% (2825 KWH) and 7% (1230 KWH) in conventional and tunnel houses, respectively. Using the current price of 55¢/gal for propane, 3.56¢/KWH for electricity in winter, and 6.04¢/KWH for electricity in summer, annual energy savings with the insulated sidewalls average $369 per house for conventional houses and $207 per house in tunnel houses. These savings were reduced to $254 and $93, respectively, when the cost of daytime fluorescent lighting was considered. As the cost of fuel increases, the benefit of using insulated sidewalls over open curtains if greater.